Newcastle Firework Display was a cracker

Greetings from the frozen north! Before I begin, I must issue an apology to both my regular readers as I have been a bit lazy in getting this blog out. A combination of a hectic lifestyle and my general apathy have contributed to this, but I've got a spare half hour before heading out to watch the mighty Newcastle United flay some badgers from Cheshire so took the opportunity to enhance/degrade my literary reputation.

It's been an extremely busy time for the Turret, both on and off the field. Both our Fireworks display and Beer Festival 2011 were extremely well attended, the latter by yours truly who was somewhat inappropriate towards a young female from CAMRA. In my defence, I was unaware that any young women were members of CAMRA, and the resultant shock combined with the consumption of approximately 12 pints of IPA/Old Rosie (7.5%) led to me playing a few risky shots. Happily my vice-captain and 2011 player of the year James Carr (@roddersncc) was intoxicated to the level of incomprehension. This detracted from my own predicament. 'Rowdy' was far from the only casualty in this event, our batsman Sam Malpass (normally a Bordeaux man) imbibed a few too many ciders prior to hitting the bright lights of the Quayside. Upon his return home he was in the middle of a serious dressing down from his Mrs & his mother (his parents were up for the weekend and his old man copped some stick too) when he deposited his evenings work all over the Living Room carpet. He has only recently been allowed out the house after dark again.

From a cricket point of view, in typical fashion our 1st XI captain , Niall Penfold has disappeared for the winter, this time to London on a training course. This has led to me resuming all responsibilities for recruitment over the winter. Several deals have been completed before the transfer window opened this week with a complete remodelling of our seam attack, which has received an injection of youth and heat. Furthermore, a permanent deal has been completed for last season’s loan acquisition Richard 'Landon Donovan' Stanyon (@richardstanyon7) who was a fans favourite when arriving from the west coast (of England with Northern CC). This is in order to replace Ross Mclaren who has for some time been drifting towards semi-retirement on the golf course. Hopefully he will be available for 2nd XI cup ties. The 2nds have strengthened with the capture of several players which hopefully gives the squad greater depth and experience, and in the case of Keith Brown gives us a bit of nastiness that I think will stand us in good stead. One of the main bits of business left in this window are to sort out the future of 2nd XI star man James Carr. His excellent season last year has afforded him opportunities to play elsewhere and he is believed to be considering them. I have campaigned long and hard for Rowdy to remain with the Turret, and am hopeful he comes to his senses. Rowdy, in the unlikely event you read this - don't do it!

The only other bit of action left for me (yes me Niall you lazy twat) is to sort out the overseas player for 2012. It is fair to say that the record of Newcastle CC in this market has been mixed to say the least. In the last 2 years we have largely got it right with Anthony del Borello (WA) and Ben Langrope (NZ), both top cricketers and great lads. However, we also signed some stinkers. It's a toss for the worst one. Rondal Lake of Anguilla was a great lad but not really 'pro' material. Recommended to us as a last minute replacement he literally tried to hit every ball for 6. Furthermore, I don't think that he had ever seen a spinner before, much less faced one. He seemed to view a spinning ball as some sort of black magic, an unfair advantage contrary to the spirit of the game. Upon dismissal he would stand in bewilderment at the fact that the opposition offie had got one to pitch outside off and hit off.

Got me thinking this - what makes a good overseas? Being a good cricketer doesn't always cover it. It massively helps but its not always enough. I went on tour with a lad who had come over with his mate just to see England, and ended up pro-ing for the club alongside his mate as they sacked their Saffer because he was a bit of a prat. Hopeless bowler, and he looked like the comic book character The Thing. But he was a lovely lad, and he drank like a fish. That was what they wanted. Del Borello was a great player and a great lad, who enjoyed his nights in Newcastle. On tour he scored a 31 ball 103 after coming in at 4 in the morning from a night out, (having been entertained by a local lady.) That's an overseas player.

Pre IPL, the North East saw some genuinely top level pros. Richie Richardson, Lance Gibbs, Marcus North, Courtney Walsh, Desmond Haynes, Wasim Akram to name but a few. Nowadays the increased professionalism and all year round calendar means top top drawer players are thinner on the ground, and more reluctant to commit to club cricket. This is a shame, I still cherish my test dismissals (though it’s fair to say Cameron Cuffy redressed the balance when I batted) and it's unlikely that I'll add to my tally, especially playing 2's! A good 'pro' now is more than likely a young up and comer, ideally with a coaching badge. Our new overseas will fit these criterion and hopefully we will help further his cricketing education (and 'life' education) whilst he helps our march to NEPL glory. As always I welcome reader interaction so would love to hear who are the best overseas you've had at your club - please feel free to tweet  @lovetheturret.

Indoor nets start on Sun 5th Feb at Excelsior Academy and we welcome new players of all abilities, but would especially like an opening batsman of test class. Not so fast Phil Hughes, back of the queue.

Until my next update, PH